Support structure for mounting a solar panel

ABSTRACT

An arrangement for mounting a solar panel to a surface, the arrangement including a frame for supporting a solar panel, and at least one support structure and mounting structure for mounting the frame to a surface. The support structure is preferably a wing-like structure that may be pivoted outward from frame, and mounting structure is preferably a suction cup that can be attached to the wing-like structure to mount the solar panel to a surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to the use of solar panels, and, more particularly, to the mounting of such solar panels for operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the use of photovoltaic or solar panels for harnessing and applying the energy of the sun has greatly expanded. New technologies have increased the versatility of solar panels, thus widening the scope of their application. For example, solar panels are increasingly capable of powering devices such as vehicle battery chargers, radios, computers, and other personal electronic devices. Solar panels are frequently used in both stationary locations, such as the home or office, aid mobile locations, such as vehicles, trailers. They are utilized both indoors and out of doors.

The primary concern in utilizing solar panels, however, is the exposure of the panel to adequate sunlight to provide power. Optimal exposure may involve movement of the panel to a sunny location. In this regard, it may be desirable to place the panel in an appropriately facing window or other surface. As a result, it would be advantageous to provide a method or structure by which the panel can be easily and temporarily mounted to maintain optimal exposure. It would be advantageous if such mounting would be both durable, such that it would not be readily damaged during normal usage, and flexible such that it may be utilized to mount the panel in a variety of locations without the use of extraneous tools. Preferably, such an arrangement would be economically manufactured and comprise a minimum of extraneous components that could be inadvertently separated from the panel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides structure for use in temporarily mounting a solar panel to a window or other smooth surface. A solar panel is provided with one or more wing sections that pull out or otherwise pivot outward from under the panel, and one or more suction cups that may be attached to the respective wing sections to the placement of the panel on a smooth surface, facing the strongest light.

Preferably, the wing sections pivot outward from one or more corners of the panel such that they provide for a very stable mounting of the panel. Inasmuch as the wing sections pivot outward in a fanning type of arrangement, the wing sections will not block the sunlight, allowing for maximum exposure of the panel to the sunlight. Conversely, as the wing sections may be tucked away under the panel, the panel maintains its practical, rectangular shape for transport, storage, and packaging. Moreover, the wing sections cannot be inadvertently damaged or broken off in handling.

Further, because the suction cups are preferably removable, they can be coupled to the panel to mount it on either the inside of a window or on the outside of a window or other smooth surface, providing extreme versatility in placement of the panel for exposure to optimal sunlight. This positioning of the panel along the inside of a window also allows the panel to be protected from theft or environmental elements.

Additionally, the mounting structure may be easily incorporated into a solar panel design without considerable additional cost. The structure is economical to produce and may be fabricated by known methods of molding and assembly.

In accordance with an aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; at least one mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface; and, at least one support structure having a first end for supporting the at least one mounting structure, and having a second end opposite the first end for being adjustably coupled to the frame such that a spacing between the at least one support structure and the frame is variable.

In accordance with another aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; and, support means coupled to the frame and comprising a plurality of support structures, each support structure comprising a mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface, and each support structure being independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between the mounting structure that is supported thereon and the frame.

In accordance with still another aspect of the instant invention, there is provided a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: providing a solar panel supported by a frame; determining a surface to which the solar panel is to be mounted; adjusting an orientation of at least one support structure relative to the frame so as to position at least one mounting structure of the at least one support structure to a predetermined position relative to the frame, the predetermined position selected for making contact with the determined surface; and, removabley affixing the at least one mounting structure to the determined surface.

These and other advantages of the present invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a solar panel with mounting structure constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the solar panel of FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the solar panel of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounting structure taken along line 44 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a simplified flow diagram of a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface according to an embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1-3, a photovoltaic or solar panel 10 constructed in accordance with teachings of the invention. The solar panel 10 includes a centrally disposed active panel 12 supported by a frame 14. Solar panels and their support structures are well known in the art and any suitable solar panel and support structure may benefit if implemented in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the frame 14 further includes one or more support structures 16 that protrude outward therefrom, and one or more associated mounting structures, in the form of suction cups 18. Four structures 16 are shown, one at substantially each corner of the frame 14. Fewer or greater number of support structures 16 are optionally provided. When a panel is supportable with fewer structures 16, a pair of support structures 16, for example, is provided at opposite ends of the frame 14. Alternatively, when the panel requires more structures to be supported, more structures 16 are provided. One of skill in the art will understand that the number of provided structures relates to the mounting surface, the mounting structure form and size, the mounting structure locations, and the mass of the solar panel. Thus, the frame 14 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more support structures 16. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a support means includes a plurality of support structures, such as for example support structures 16, each support structure comprising a mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface. A suction cup is one example of a suitable mounting structure of the support means. Each support structure of the support means is independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between the mounting structure that is supported thereon and the frame. Furthermore, spacing between mounting structures supported on different support structures is also variable. Of course, the term variable should be understood to mean in each instance controllably variable. Optionally, the plurality of support structures may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more support structures 16.

A single support structure 16 is of an appropriate design. In FIG. 1, the support structure 16 is in the form of an elongated wing having a central flat portion 20 with a protruding ledge 22 about at least a portion of the periphery of the central flat portion 20. The elongated flat portion 20 is optionally relatively thin, providing a relatively lightweight structure, while the protruding ledge 22 provides added strength to the central flat portion 20. The protruding ledge 22 optionally protrudes from opposite surfaces of the central flat portion 20. Alternatively, the protruding ledge 22 protrudes from only one surface of the central flat portion 20. Alternatively, the protruding ledge 22 protrudes from one surface of the central flat portion 20 along a portion of the periphery, and the opposite surface of the central flat portion 20 along another portion of the periphery. Yet further alternatively, portions of the periphery of the central flat portion 20 have no protruding ledge whatsoever.

The support structure 16 is coupled to the frame 14 by an appropriate arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 24 of the support structure 16 is pivotably connected to the frame 14 such that the distal end 26 may pivot outward from the frame 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 24 of the support structure 16 is pivotably coupled by way of a rivet 28. Alternatively a button-type arrangement or another pivotable linkage is employed. As shown in FIG. 4, the rivet 28 is received in a bore 30 in the support structure 16 and a bore 32 in a section of the frame 14. Alternatively, the support structure 16 and/or the frame 14 includes a protrusion that is received in a depression in the other of the support structure 16 and/or the frame 14.

In order to prevent the support structure 16 from pivoting out too far from the frame 14, the support structure 16 and/or the frame 14 optionally limits the travel of the support structure. While any appropriate structure may be provided in this regard, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame 14 includes a protrusion 34 that extends from the frame 14 toward a surface of the central flat portion 20 of the support structure 16. In this way, as the support structure 16 pivots outward from the frame 14, a portion of the protruding ledge 22 along the periphery of the central flat portion 20 abuts the protrusion 34 to prevent the support structure 16 from pivoting beyond a defined position.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that alternatively, the support structures 16 are attached to the frame 14, either permanently or temporarily. Optionally, the support structures 16 are removable from the frame 14, only being attached for mounting purposes.

The support structures 16 include an appropriate arrangement for attaching the suction cups 18 thereto, either permanently or temporarily. For example, the support structure 16 includes an opening 36 therethrough at its distal end 26 for receiving an axial protrusion 38 from the suction cup 18. The opening 36 is a simple rounded opening that presents an interface for pushing the protrusion 38 therethrough. Alternatively, the opening 36 has a keyhole-type shape, the larger end of the keyhole being sized to receive an enlarged head of the axial protrusion 38 and the smaller end of the keyhole being sized to receive a smaller sized shaft of the axial protrusion 38. The enlarged head of the axial protrusion 38 is advanced through the larger end of the opening and the shaft is then slid over into the smaller end of the opening, disposing the cup 18 along one side of the support structure 16 and the enlarged head along the other side. Alternatively, the axial protrusion 38 has a substantially uniform cross-section that is smaller than the larger end of the keyhole opening and larger than the smaller end of the keyhole opening. In this way, when the protrusion 38 is slid through the larger end of the opening, it is then slid over into the smaller end of the opening to compress the sides of the axial protrusion 38 and present an interference fit. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that other arrangements and structures for temporarily or permanently coupling the suction cup 18 to the support structure 16 are possible. Further, the suction cup 18 or other mounting structure itself may have an alternate construction.

In this way, during the typical use of the mounting arrangement, the support structures 16 are pivoted outward from the frame 14. The mounting structure in the form of suction cups 18 is then mounted to the support structures 16, and the solar panel 10 is mounted to a surface in the form of a window by mounting the mounting structure 18 to the surface while coupled with the support structures 16.

Other mounting structures suitable to temporary mounting to a transparent surface, such as glass, are also well suited for being used with the present invention.

Though the support structures are shown pivotably connected to the solar panel 10 for rotation within a plane of the solar panel, optionally, the support structures 16 are for rotation outside the plane of the solar panel. Alternatively, the support structures are slidably coupled to the solar panel for sliding relative thereto.

In mounting a solar panel to a car window, the location and spacing between the mounting structures is sometimes critical in that some car windows are not regular in size or shape and, as such, will not support a square or rectangular support with a mounting structure at each corner thereof. The present invention has the advantage of supporting asymmetric mounting structure orientations to facilitate mounting to curved windows such as windshields and to support mounting to windows while obstructing areas that are not critical to operation of the motor vehicle. Optionally, a supplemental mounting structure is provided, such as for instance in the form of a clip for being disposed over a top portion of a car window, the clip for being secured in place by pressure when the car window is in a closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a simplified flow diagram of a method for mounting a solar panel to a surface according to an embodiment of the invention. At step 100 a solar panel is provided supported by a frame. At step 102 a surface is determined to which the solar panel is to be mounted. For instance, the surface is a portion of a car window. At step 104 an orientation of at least one support structure is adjusted relative to the frame, so as to position a mounting structure of the at least one support structure at a predetermined position relative to the frame, the predetermined position selected for making contact with the determined surface. For instance, in the case of an irregularly shaped and/or non-planar car window, the orientation of a support structure may be adjusted so as to position a mounting structure associated therewith for making contact along a narrow portion of the window. One non-limiting example of a narrow portion of a window is the portion that is bordered by the linearly decreasing height of the front driver or passenger side windows, which is typical in modern cars and other vehicles. At step 106, the at least one mounting structure is removabley affixed to the determined surface.

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations of the preferred embodiments may be used, and it is intended that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defied by the following claims: 

1. A mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; at least one mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface; and, at least one support structure having a first end for supporting the at least one mounting structure, and having a second end opposite the first end for being adjustably coupled to the frame such that a spacing between the at least one support structure and the frame is variable.
 2. A mount according to claim 1, comprising a solar panel.
 3. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting structure comprises at least one suction cup.
 4. A mount according to claim 3, wherein the at least one suction cup comprises a plurality of suction cups.
 5. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support member is pivotably coupled to the frame.
 6. A mount according to claim 5, wherein the at least one support member is disposed for rotation in a plane coplanar with a solar panel supported by the frame.
 7. A mount according to claim 5, wherein the at least a support member is disposed for rotation in a plane other than coplanar with a solar panel supported by the frame.
 8. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting structure is fixed to the at least one support structure near the first end thereof.
 9. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure is fixedly coupled to the frame.
 10. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure is slidably coupled to the frame.
 11. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting structure is removably attached to the at least one support member near the first end thereof.
 12. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting structure comprises a clip for being disposed over a top portion of a car window, the clip for being secured in place by pressure when the car window is in a closed position.
 13. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure comprises two support structures mounted independently to the frame.
 14. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure comprises four support structures mounted independently to the frame.
 15. A mount for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: a frame for supporting a solar panel; and, support means coupled to the frame and comprising a plurality of support structures, each support structure comprising a mounting structure for being removably affixed to the surface, and each support structure being independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between the mounting structure that is supported thereon and the frame.
 16. A mount according to claim 15, wherein each support structure is independently adjustable for supporting a variable spacing between a mounting structure that is supported thereon and at least one other mounting structure.
 17. A method for mounting a solar panel to a surface comprising: providing a solar panel supported by a frame; determining a surface to which the solar panel is to be mounted; adjusting an orientation of at least one support structure relative to the frame so as to position at least one mounting structure of the at least one support structure to a predetermined position relative to the frame, the predetermined position selected for making contact with the determined surface; and, removabley affixing the at least one mounting structure to the determined surface.
 18. A method according to claim 17, wherein adjusting an orientation of at least one support structure relative to the frame comprises: pivoting the at least one support structure in a plane coplanar with the solar panel supported by the frame, and about an axis perpendicular to the plane.
 19. A method according to claim 17, wherein adjusting an orientation of at least one support structure relative to the frame comprises: pivoting the at least one support structure in a plane other than coplanar with the solar panel supported by the frame.
 20. A method according to claim 17, wherein adjusting an orientation of at least one support structure relative to the frame comprises: slidably displacing the at least one support structure relative to the frame. 